In a much-anticipated NBA Rivals Week game, the Philadelphia 76ers faced the Denver Nuggets with the Nuggets favored by -5.5 and an over/under of 228. The matchup was highlighted by the presence of former Kia MVPs Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic. However, Embiid was ruled out shortly before tip-off due to left knee soreness, with concerns raised during his warm-up by the Sixers training staff. The 76ers were also without Tyrese Maxey, sidelined by an ankle injury, and Tobias Harris, who was ill. Despite Embiid's absence, the Nuggets secured a win, and Jokic praised Embiid's recent performances, highlighting his respect for his fellow MVP.
If Embiid, Maxey and Harris play against Portland on Monday after sitting out today vs Denver, then the league needs to look into fining the #76ers like they did with the #Nets.
Jokic continues to give Embiid his flowers 💐 https://t.co/Xp6l8pbvX3
After the Nuggets win, Jokic complimented Embiid and his recent play right away, Embiid didn’t even play in the game today. Jokic is a selfless superstar, we can all learn from his humility.
Nick Nurse said he found out Joel Embiid would be out of the lineup about 25 minutes before tip, after the medical team made a decision after his workout. Said Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris will all be re-evaluated tomorrow ahead of Monday’s game in Portland.
Jokic on Embiid: "If you're a fan of basketball, you need to appreciate what he's doing right now. It's history." #BrotherlyLove | #EMVPIID https://t.co/L3TMNLgOEx
Embiid and Jokic after the game 🤝 Two of the game's best. https://t.co/4rDQbOr2jT
Embiid is a beast in the regular season only. Jokic just won an NBA championship.
ABC to Sixers, as they just announced Embiid, Maxey and Harris are all out against the Nuggets: https://t.co/zWmmYoLrb4
From Denver: Joel Embiid is out w left knee soreness. Pregame he worked on his knee with trainers. I watched Joel’s pregame warmup. He took his time and started and stopped. Warm up did not seem fluid and the left knee continues to bother him.
Game Day from Denver! Back in the analyst seat tonight with my guy @MikeCouzens on the call for an exciting matchup of Nuggets and Sixers! 🍿🍿🔥 https://t.co/wPWVE0yU4i
Embiid is out with left knee soreness, source says. Sixers training staff had concerns while watching Embiid during his warm-up routine and made decision for him to sit out vs. Denver today, sources said. Sixers are without Embiid, Tyrese Maxey and Tobias Harris. https://t.co/tWBqfQ6RPw
Game Day from Denver! Back in the analyst seat tonight with my guy @MikeCouzens on the call for an exciting matchup of Nuggets and Sixers and all eyes on two outstanding big men Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid! 🍿🍿🔥 https://t.co/wPWVE0yU4i
Joel Embiid arrives for his #NBARivalsWeek matchup against the Nuggets! Don't miss Sixers vs. Nuggets at 5:30pm/et on ABC! https://t.co/a3c45hKhv6
Great matchup today in Denver for the Sixers & Nuggets on @ESPNRadio with @ROSGO21. You’ll hear from both coaches pregame with @KevinPWinter. @Mikey_Baseball producing and @erikhood engineering. Tip a little after 5:30 ET. https://t.co/sTN8xiRvpv
Joker is in the building for #NBARivalsWeek action 🃏 Nuggets vs. Sixers tips at 5:30pm/et on ABC 🍿 https://t.co/uFZo1AfPGy
Joel Embiid will play, but Tyrese Maxey (ankle) and Tobias Harris (illness) will not for Philadelphia here in Denver today, joining De’Anthony Melton and several others on the injury list for the 76ers.
EMBIID VS. JOKER 🌟 Two of the NBA’s premier big men clash TONIGHT on ABC at 5:30pm/et! https://t.co/zJQkV6o6mK
Joel Embiid SHINED in his last matchup with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets. 🤩 Will he repeat his performance today? 📺 76ers vs. Nuggets | 5:30 ET on ABC https://t.co/flUiaOFTuC
Two of the NBA’s last #KiaMVP’s square off tonight 🍿 Embiid visits Joker in Denver for a must-see matchup on ABC at 5:30pm/et! #NBARivalsWeek https://t.co/dkiOP1YE8s
76ers at Nuggets -5.5, 228 (5:30 p.m. ET, ABC) https://t.co/msVkzb5EW4
Who’s winning if these duos swap? 👀 📺 Sixers vs. Nuggets | 5:30 ET on ABC https://t.co/WW9TmcUQpO